Google's Texas Data Center Will Run Without Cooling Water

Google just announced a breakthrough that could change how we think about data centers and their impact on communities.

The tech giant's upcoming facility in Wilbarger County, Texas, will use advanced air cooling technology instead of water to keep its massive server arrays from overheating. Water use will be limited to essential campus operations like kitchens, marking a major shift in how these facilities operate.

The timing couldn't be more critical. America has over 4,000 data centers currently running, and two-thirds sit in water-stressed areas. A medium-sized facility can gulp down 110 million gallons of water annually just for cooling, equivalent to what 1,000 households use in a year.

That strain hits hardest during droughts, when local water systems struggle to keep up with both residential needs and demanding tech infrastructure. Communities have found themselves competing with data centers for a resource they can't live without.

Google's solution addresses this head-on. The company is building the center specifically to meet growing demand from Texans for Search, Maps, and Workspace products while keeping water consumption nearly zero.

The facility brings another major win. Google partnered with energy provider AES to build brand-new clean energy plants that will come online alongside the data center as a co-located project. This means renewable power flowing directly to the facility without straining Texas's existing grid.

Air cooling systems do require substantial energy, which makes the clean energy partnership crucial. While Google hasn't detailed exactly how its cooling technology works in warm Texas temperatures, the company says it uses a multidimensional approach to choosing systems for each campus.

The Ripple Effect

This development signals a broader shift in tech accountability. Other companies are taking notice. Microsoft began piloting zero-water evaporation systems in 2024, which recycle water through closed loops so fresh water never needs replenishing. Those systems launch in new data centers next year.

The innovation matters beyond just one facility. Water needs for data center cooling are projected to more than triple over the next 25 years as AI services expand. Finding sustainable alternatives now means communities won't face impossible choices between technology access and water security.

Texas offers advantages that make the project work: proximity to millions of users, access to renewable energy development, and lower land costs than many regions. Building smart infrastructure in the right locations, with the right technologies, shows how tech growth and environmental responsibility can coexist.

The real test comes when the facility goes live and proves these systems can handle Texas heat while delivering the computing power our digital lives demand.